Jean Thielemans started his musical career in front of his parents' sidewalk cafe in Brussels. He played accordion.
By the time he turned 23, Thielemans had discovered the harmonica and guitar and was being called "Toots" by his friends and relations.The man known as Toots Thielemans will play at the Hilton Seasons Ballroom Tuesday, May 13, as part of the Jazz at the Hilton concert series. The music begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $15 at the Salt Lake Hilton front desk.
Thielemans' big break came in 1949 when Benny Goodman first heard the music. In 1951 Thiele-mans moved to the United States and ended up playing gigs with George Shearing, Bill Evans and Ella Fitzgerald.
After becoming a much-in-demand musician, the music man ventured into the pop circles of Quincy Jones, Paul Simon and Billy Joel. His trademark hit is "Bluesette."